Craftsman gears up for Father’s Day

Craftsman is looking to make the most of this year’s Father’s Day with a "Dad" anthem, bacon-inspired wrapping paper and a "MAKEcation" weekend.

The brand describes a MAKEcation as a vacation where dads get to make things with their hands — and, well, Craftsman power tools. “It’s like a fantasy camp for tool enthusiasts, hosted by actor and comedian Rob Riggle, with expert instructors from across the U.S.,” the brand said in a statement.

"For decades, the Craftsman brand has been America’s most trusted tool brand, with innovations that have allowed Americans to ignite their passion for building and making," said Michael Castleman, president of Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard brands and SVP of Sears Holdings. "MAKEcation continues in this tradition and gives our members an opportunity to enhance existing skills, learn new ones and just have fun in the process of making things."

Now through July 12, Craftsman Club and Shop Your Way members can enter for a chance to win a ticket for the trip, which they can then give to their dads. The Craftsman MAKEcation is a four-day experience set in the mountains of Southern California at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa over the Labor Day weekend. To enter for a chance to win, participants will need to visit www.CraftsmanMAKEcation.com and click "Enter For A Chance To Win On Shop Your Way."

Craftsman Club and Shop Your Way members can also purchase a ticket for the trip for $5,000.

"I live for my tool belt, getting my hands dirty making and building things like my kids’ swing set. I have always been made to make," said Riggle, host of the Craftsman MAKEcation. "I can’t wait to head to the mountains and teach the attendees some making skills and expect to learn from them, as well. As a dad, I would love getting a trip to MAKEcation as a gift."

Craftsman Club members will be eligible to win a spot at MAKEcation and receive access to exclusive deals, members-only projects and events, expert tips and news on the latest tool innovations from the brand. Craftsman Club is part of the Shop Your Way network, so points can be redeemed for purchases at Sears and Kmart and online at Craftsman.com.

Jelly Belly unveils vile villains

Jelly Belly Candy Co. is prepping for Halloween 2014 with a mix of sinister and sweet thanks to the company’s new Disney Vile Villains themed bags.

Four Disney villains — Ursula, Captain Hook, the Evil Queen and Maleficent — will adorn the bags. Each bag is filled with a "Vile Villains" mix, which consists of Jewel Very Cherry, Jewel Sour Apple, Jewel Orange, Jewel Blueberry and new Jewel Grape Soda.

Disney Vile Villains is the latest in a line of Disney-themed packages from Jelly Belly. Other packages include the Princess Line, featuring Rapunzel, Ariel and Cinderella. Such classic Disney characters as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck are also featured on gift bags.

Costco beats expectations in May

Warmer weather in May meant an uptick in store traffic for a few retailers, including Costco. But the wholesale retailer’s same-store sales for the month — which increased 6%, with a 6% rise in U.S. sales and a 4% increase in international sales — were better than analysts had expected and bolstered by higher fuel prices.

The company reported net sales of $8.78 billion for the month, an increase of 8% from $8.13 billion during the similar four-week period last year.

In the United States, same-store sales increased 6%. Total company same-store sales also increased 6%.

For the 39 weeks ended June 1, the company reported net sales of $81.99 billion, an increase of 6% from $77.13 billion during the similar period last year.

Ahold Delhaize on Thursday named Kevin Holt CEO of its newly minted Ahold Delhaize U.S.A division, which will serve as the parent company for all of Ahold Delhaize’s US companies, including its local brands, Stop & Shop, Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, Giant/Martin’s and Peapod, as well as Retail Business Services, the US shared services company providing support to the brands. Read more

Walgreens is moving on from its “corner of happy and healthy” tag line to new branding that emphasizes the company’s 116-year heritage of serving customers and also targets a younger demographic. Read more

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